White Sox slugger Daniel Palka refused to hang his head after starting the season 1-for-35 and being demoted to the minors.
Instead, he focused on improving his mechanics and pitch recognition while at Class AAA Charlotte. The approach paid off, as Palka hit .269 with 16 home runs and 42 RBI in 60 games with the Knights.
The Sox recalled Palka on Friday after designating first baseman/designated hitter Yonder Alonso for assignment.
‘‘I was in a good spot down there,’’ Palka said. ‘‘Everything felt in sync again.’’
Palka batted fifth and went 0-for-4 with a strikeout against Twins ace Jose Berrios as the Sox’ designated hitter in his first game back. He also might get some playing time in the outfield and at first base, where he practiced fielding grounders before the game.
Knights manager Mark Grudzielanek worked extensively with Palka at first base.
‘‘I’m really comfortable there,’’ Palka said. ‘‘I played there a lot in the past, and when I got traded to the Twins [in 2015], we had, like, 20 first basemen, so there wasn’t really a need for me there. I’ve been kind of waiting to work myself back there because it is a position I like. From what I know, I’ll be doing a little bit of everything.’’
Injury update
Shortstop Tim Anderson is expected to miss four to six weeks because of a high ankle sprain.
The prognosis could have been worse, but the injury will prevent any shot Anderson had of playing in the All-Star Game next month in Cleveland. Anderson injured his right ankle Tuesday against the Red Sox and was put on the 10-day injured list Friday.
Anderson’s injury is similar to the one outfielder Eloy Jimenez suffered early this season, general manager Rick Hahn said.
‘‘I don’t want to say we got lucky,’’ Hahn said. ‘‘But it progressed nicely from a biology standpoint on Eloy, and the first couple or three days, Timmy’s coming along nicely, as well. Hopefully it follows that same path.’’
Almost ready
Barring any surprises, right-hander Dylan Cease will be the next Sox prospect to make his major-league debut.
Cease, 23, is 5-2 with a 4.48 ERA in 15 starts at Charlotte. He has 73 strikeouts in 68„ innings.
‘‘Based upon what Dylan Cease has been doing, we’re getting awful close to that time,’’ Hahn said.
